A clean deck helps keep dirt and mildew at bay.
First, sweep your deck to remove a layer of dust and debris. For a more thorough cleaning, use a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting and a long-handled brush.
1. Sweep
A light sweeping–daily, ideally–can keep dirt from being ground into the deck surface and decrease how often you need to clean it. Sweep away loose debris and dispose of it in a garbage can or bag. Check out more at deck cleaning and sealing in Maryland.
A garden hose and spray nozzle are the tools you need to rinse off your deck once it’s been cleaned. Be sure to point the nozzle away from people and glass windows and at least 24 inches away from wood deck boards.
For mildly soiled decks, a basic solution of water and detergent works well. For tougher stains, mix an eco-friendly deck cleaner with water. Vinegar mixed with water can effectively tackle mildew, mold and algae but is less effective at removing oil or grease. Oxi bleach paste can be used as a treatment between cleanings to help eliminate mildew and is safe for a wide range of materials. Be sure to use appropriate safety equipment, including eye protection and rubber gloves, when handling chemicals.
2. Rinse
The weather and backyard BBQs can do a number on wood decks, especially natural ones. Regular cleaning helps protect the integrity of a deck and prolong its lifespan.
Before using any cleaning products, hose down your deck and rinse it thoroughly to remove as much debris as possible. Rinsing the deck also allows any stains to begin dissolving.
For a deep clean, use a store-bought or homemade cleaning solution (if it’s safe for your deck material). Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then start scrubbing with your scrub brush. Scrub the deck in sections, and be sure to scrub parallel with the wood grain. Most cleaners need to set for a while, so pause the scrubbing occasionally to allow them to work. After your deck is completely cleaned, hose it down once again and allow it to dry for about 48 hours before replacing furniture or applying any treatments like stain or sealant.
3. Scrub
A little regular scrubbing will keep your deck looking great and minimize deterioration. Regular sweeping, ideally with a cordless blower, will keep dirt from being ground into the surface, cutting down on how often you need to scrub. If a stain does appear between cleanings, use an oxygen bleach paste (such as OxiClean) and a stiff-bristle brush. Borax is a natural mineral compound that fights mildew and can be added to your homemade cleaner as needed; it won’t damage nearby landscaping when used in small quantities.
For a more in-depth cleaning, choose a product that’s safe for your deck material and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure to spray the cleaner in consistent strokes, keeping the nozzle about a foot away from the surface to avoid pooling and damage to the boards. After the cleaner has had time to work, scrub the deck with a synthetic-bristle brush, working parallel with the wood grain. Rinse thoroughly with a hose.
4. Dry
Depending on the level of soiling, cleaning your deck may not require any additional products. A good broom, scrub brush, bucket and garden hose with soapy water or a special cleaner for wood decks should do the trick. The best deck cleaners for wood are formulated to be gentle on the surface of the wood and are available at most hardware stores.
Once the deck has been cleaned, it’s time to dry thoroughly. This will take a few hours, depending on how much sun the deck gets and weather conditions.
If you plan to stain the deck, it is important that it be completely dry before you do so. Check with the product instructions for specifics. Vinegar mixed with water is a natural, budget-friendly option that effectively tackles mildew and discolouration. However, it is not effective on oil and grease stains. A safer choice is a nontoxic, eco-sensitive product like Simple Green’s Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner, which can be diluted and safely used on many exterior surfaces, including decking.